Is Type 2 Diabetes Reversible?
Do you think that once you have type 2 diabetes you’ll always have it? You may want to think again. Even though type 2 diabetes can be progressive and worsen over time, we now have evidence that it doesn’t have to. A team of researchers, led by a professor at University of Cambridge School of Medicine in the UK, summarized recent studies about diabetes remission. Here’s what they found: 👉 About half of people who are within the first 10 years of a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes are able to return to non-diabetic glucose control—as long as they lose weight and maintain that weight loss. That’s incredible and should motivate anybody with a recent diagnosis of diabetes.Here’s a summary of some of these researchers’ findings:
- Controversy remains as to whether a low-carbohydrate or low-calorie diet is more beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes, but both appear to help.
- Intermittent fasting may support weight loss.
- Focusing only on macronutrients is oversimplified. Food quality matters too.
- Most studies on diabetes remission have been done in white populations, but similar results have been found in ethnicities that include Hispanics, African Americans, South Asians, Middle Easterners, and African Carribeans.
With nutritional and functional medicine approaches, we have many tools to support your metabolism, blood sugar, and weight. The key is to find what YOU need for your unique body and biochemistry. Tips for blood sugar balance:
- Exercise: increases cellular sensitivity to insulin
- Manage your stress! Stress affects blood sugar. Hormones such as cortisol and glucagon are secreted in times of stress and they cause your blood sugar to rise!
- Stay hydrated! Water helps flush excess sugar through the kidneys
- Eat lots of fiber! Fiber slows carb digestion and sugar absorption!
- Choose lower glycemic foods such as non-starchy vegetables and legumes
- Manage your sleep quality: Poor sleeping habits and a lack of rest can also affect blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity. They can increase appetite and promote weight gain
Bringing your body back to a state of healthy metabolism and blood sugar control sets you up for a lifetime of better health. If that’s what you want for yourself, we hope you’ll book an appointment for an assessment with our team. 